My Basement Lounge Project is Officially Underway

[sboyajian]

After some saving and selling.. I've finally been able to begin my new Project. A fully ventilated, closed off room in the basement. My lounge.

Free from the 101˚ / 90% humidity days of the Virginia Summer and the 5˚ (-5 windchill) winter days that come with it.

The ability to smoke a cigar while I decide to either watch my Sox fight for another World Series or Clint Eastwood tell someone off.

The day has finally come and today I have started my project. Below are some initial pictures of the room. I've determined how much lumber I need as well as drywall. I've located the vent and additional duct accessories. I've also picked out the flooring. With luck, my room will be complete before the middle of September, time allowing.
**********************************

Picture 1: This is the actual area for the lounge. You can see the chalk line that runs along the bottom of the room. The total dimensions (after finishing) will be 12' 4" x 12' 6" (the nook on the left side of the picture is not included in the dimensions as I will explain later).

http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/lounge/Lounge.jpg

Picture 2: This "nook" is 11' x 16". This will used for two things. A 1' panel will be added to the left side of the nook as this is where the air intake from the outside will be located. This will also house the inline duct heater which will help in keeping the room approximately 70˚ when in use. The remaining 10' to the right will be a built in Cabinet Humidor. Shelves along the top with 30" storage cabinets along the bottom.
http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/lounge/Lounge2.jpg

Picture 3: This is the view from the far corner (the right side of the picture above). One of the first things I will need to do is to move the vents from the well to the left of the door to the adjacent wall on the other corner. The builder informed me those are only there to provide more air to the utility closet so moving those will not harm anything. The door will be replaced with a french door and will be sealed with heavy duty weather stripping and a heavy duty sweeper.

The wall is noted with a white line. Part of the project is to build a 9' x 12' 4" Exercise room for my wife. She will have a matching French door which will involve relocated the two studs to the right of my door.

For both rooms I will need to build a bulkhead around the HVAC duct that is running crossways from the floor joists above. I will be tapping into this duct for my HVAC for when the room is not in use. The outside intake and inside HVAC will be switched using Electronic Dampers (HVAC Open when not in use, Outside Closed).

http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/lounge/Lounge3.jpg

Picture 4: Square Baby!

http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/lounge/Lounge4.jpg

Some things I am doing to prevent smoke from escaping out of the room is not putting in can lights. All lights will be wall mountable sconces. We also plan on putting R13 Insulation around the room just to help filter anything additional.

[Emjaysmash]

Sweet! :wo

I can't wait to see the updates!

[Darrell]

Niiice!

[The Poet]

Nice. But better you than me, man - looks a lot like work. I tried work once, and didn't like it. My biggest home project is washing the dinner dishes.

:ss

[Bear]

Congrats!

[NickyTeen]

Congratulations! Look forward to watching your progress.Thanks for sharing.

[Ahbroody]

wish i could. looks like its going to be sweeeeeeet

[RJK18]

These are my favorite threads. I cant wait to own a house and build my own man cave. Good luck and enjoy.

[chippewastud79]

Looks like you got a nice space to build in there, hope it turns out as great as you describe it. :tu

[Old Sailor]

:tu:tu:tu

[dccraft]

I just love projects :tu

[BigAsh]

"Part of the project is to build a 9' x 12' 4" Exercise room for my wife"

I knew there had to be a catch!! :r .....Cool project....Tell us a little more about the cabinet humi

[ade06]

Very Nice! Keep posting pictures as the project develops.

[AD720]

:dr:dr:dr:dr:dr

[WyGuy]

Can't wait to see the finished product!

[hotreds]

Good onya and good luck!

[wrench turner 85]

:tu:tu:tu:wo

[tuxpuff]

Suhweeeeeet...please keep us updated!

[akakirby]

Can't wait to see how this develops! Wish I had enough house for something like that! Good luck.

[bowhnter]

Living in TX I have basement envy. Very nice project!

[dubnick]

I will be following this... good luck with your project :tu

[sboyajian]

Living in TX I have basement envy. Very nice project!

Then I won't show you the other side of that wall. ;)

[WildBlueSooner]

Congrats! I cant wait to see some progress pics! :tu

[LordOfWu]

Fantastic project, good luck, I'll enjoy watching this one come together!
:wo

[gbum]

superb!!!!

[elderboy02]

Nice! Good luck to you sir :)

[streetglide]

Sweet!

:wo
:wo
:wo

[marge796]

This will be awesome, good luck and have fun with the build.


:tu :tu :tu


Chris.....

[Barteur]

Subscribed to this one, a must.

Keep the pictures coming, really nice project:tu
Frenchie

[bvilchez]

Freakin sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kelmac07]

Very nice!! Oh how I miss having a basement!! Damn water table in Virginia!!! Looking forward to the in-progress pics and the final product.

[sboyajian]

Very nice!! Oh how I miss having a basement!! Damn water table in Virginia!!! Looking forward to the in-progress pics and the final product.

You my friend are close enough to join in the occassional herf.

[meadmaker]

Looks like a good start. keep the pictures coming

[Waynegro1]

This looks like something I need to do. I can't wait to see your progress. As others have said, keep us up to date with photos. :tu

[Savor the Stick]

Yup! I subscribed to this one also.
This is going to be a fun one to watch. Congrats on your own Man Cave.:D

[MedicCook]

Looks like you are off to a good start Stephen. :tu

[kelmac07]

You my friend are close enough to join in the occassional herf.

Sounds good Stephen...might have to take you up on that!! :tu

[e-man67]

That is going to be beautiful! Nice amount of space! Keep us updated! :banger

[BamBam]

NIIIIIICCCCEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!:tu

One day, one day

[sboyajian]

Step 1: Purchase Wares - Complete. ;)

Just got back from the lumber store with the following:

76 - 2x4x8's
11 - Treated 2x4x8's
16 - Single Gang Boxes
1 - Two Gang Box
1 - Three Gang Box
4 - Single Pole Switches
20 - 15 amp outlets (two 10 packs).
1 - Dimmer switch (for lights) -- already have the "dimmer" for the vent
New Estwing Hammer (been needing a new hammer for a while)
100' 14/2 wire
5lb box of 16d coated nails

My friend who is helping me will be bringing over his ramset.. I might see if he can do so tonight so I can get a jump.

Once framing is done I have an HVAC guy coming in to determine the work. I have already worked out a trade for him where I develop him a brand new website and he does parts and labor for free.

Works out for both of us.

[GTCanuk]

Is it finished yet? how bout now:r

[sboyajian]

Got a late start tonight, but got the first wall done. This will be the wall from the Exercise room into the unfinished Storage area. This wall includes a door and had to take into account going around the duct work.

[sboyajian]

Here are some updated pics.

I've only been able to devote 2 hours last night and 2 hours tonight.. but it's been fairly productive.

http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/Lounge/Lounge5.jpg

http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/Lounge/Lounge6.jpg

http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/Lounge/Lounge7.jpg

http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/Lounge/Lounge8.jpg

[N2Advnture]

Looking good bro!

You got a lot done for only 2 hours work.

BTW - When you're done, wanna come down to Ashburn to build out mine :)

[Bax]

Very cool! Are using a door to the excersise room?

[Hitagain]

Looks like a great start. Make sure your HVAC guy uses leak free dampers and duct seal all connections in ducts with opening into the room. You would be suprised at how much air leaks by some cheaper dampers out there. Keep the pictures comeing!

[SmokinDuck]

Looks good.

Your dog has the right idea... watch you work. :)

[sboyajian]

Looking good bro!

You got a lot done for only 2 hours work.

BTW - When you're done, wanna come down to Ashburn to build out mine :)

Let me think about that one Mark. ;)

Until I've decided you are more than welcome to come to mine, just a quick 20 minute drive up 66 (I know.. I know.. there's nothing quick about 66)

[sboyajian]

Very cool! Are using a door to the excersise room?Yes. I should be done with most of the framing tonight, then tomorrow I need to take a sawzall to the existing wall next to the existing door. That will be the location of the door to the exercise room. The wall (shown as a white line in the original pictures) will seperate the two doors.

[sboyajian]

Looks good.

Your dog has the right idea... watch you work. :)

The first night she was laying down between studs while the wall portion was on the floor. She had her chin resting on one of the studs. As I began to hammer the header plate onto the studs, she simply "lifted her eyebrows" and let out a sigh.. never moved..

[N2Advnture]

The first night she was laying down between studs while the wall portion was on the floor. She had her chin resting on one of the studs. As I began to hammer the header plate onto the studs, she simply "lifted her eyebrows" and let out a sigh.. never moved..

ROFLMAO! Man, I miss my dog.


Let me think about that one Mark. ;)
Until I've decided you are more than welcome to come to mine, just a quick 20 minute drive up 66 (I know.. I know.. there's nothing quick about 66)

Actually, I'd love to come by and see how you're actually framing it. I've been submitting bids for framers but think that I could do 1/2 the complete basement remodel myself.

Keep taking pics! :)

[sboyajian]

I'll be honest, this is my first time framing anything. It's a lot easier than you would think and for the space I did, the lumber barely broke $200 :) It's definately cheaper to do it yourself and it's fun at that.

Feel free to swing by.. send me a PM if you wanna head down and I'll give you the addy and phone number. I'll be working on it tonight, and tomorrow morning, and probably Sunday.

[GreekGodX]

Very nice brother :tu cannot wait to see the finished product

[The Poet]

From the appearance in the photo, your dog is 16 on the square from ear to anus. :r

It's looking good so far. :tu

[sboyajian]

Did some more work on the Lounge this morning. Got all of the wall framing done. Have not done the soffit around the duct work since the HVAC guy may need additional room there and anything I build may get in the way. I'll do that after he runs his stuff.

I also cut out the door for the exercise room. When my son came down the stairs and saw this I was promptly put in "Time Out" for making a mess.

Just finishing up lunch and then I'll head down and run my electrical and place my boxes.

http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/Lounge/LoungeDay3-1.jpg
http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/Lounge/LoungeDay3-2.jpg
http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/Lounge/LoungeDay3-3.jpg
http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/Lounge/LoungeDay3-4.jpg
http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/Lounge/LoungeDay3-5.jpg

[sboyajian]

http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/Lounge/LoungeDay3-6.jpg

[blooz4u]

Looking good man! Enjoying the in-progress photos!

[hornitosmonster]

Looking Good :tu

wish I had a basement

[WildBlueSooner]

Looks great....gonna be a sweet chill spot :tu

[troutbreath]

Looks great! I have the same shoes your son wears.

[Smokin Gator]

That is looking sweet... and thanks for the photo updates. I can tell you I sure love my Gator Cave!!! Smoking a Boli CE and watching the NASCAR race as I write this.

[Azpostal]

Looks great so far. I wish we had basements out here. It would be nice to get out of the heat sometimes.

[dbreazeale]

This is so cool! Looks like you're doing a great job! :tu

[kelmac07]

Looks great!! You are knocking this out...great looking work.

[MedicCook]

Looks good. Keep up the good work.

[bowhnter]

Looking good, thanks for the updates!

[sboyajian]

Will take some pictures tonight, however wanted to post an update.

First task of last night was to try and salvage the door frame that leads into the lounge area. I was able to save it all without damaging anything and this saved me about $60 in a prehung door.

Due to the bad job the builder did framing the original wall, I need to build some 2x2 framing to face their wall. This will prevent the steel columns from getting in the way and warping my drywall. It will also help me to run my electrical in the front wall (1 switch box and 3 outlets).

Last night since it was to late to be tearing my leftover 2x4's in half to finish the framing, I decided to put in the rest of the gang boxes. I then ran 14/2 from the circuit panel (not connected yet) through each box and to the switch. I have installed all of the outlets and connected all wires.

I have also added a second switch that will control one outlet in the exercise room.

After this was done, I put the 4 can lights in the exercise room in place.

The picture below shows a drawing of the rooms, location of the boxes and which circuit they will be on. Some (most) likely have no use for that, but I know some people are redoing rooms, or curious about it, or are thinking about it. So hopefully this will provide some purpose.

I'm trying to keep the loads to about 10 per circuit. I ended up with 11 on circuit 1 and 9 on circuit 2. Merely from the point that it was easier to put the outlets in the lounge on the same circuit as the ones on the same wall from the exercise room.

C - Can Light
Small box - outlet
Big Box - Switch Box
Oval - Sconces
# - Which circuit

http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/Lounge/electrical.jpg

[BORIStheBLADE]

Hey this is a pretty cool project.

I wanted to ask you what made you come up with the idea to circuit the rooms that way?

Do you only have two circuits to work with?

In your area you can use 14 AWG for outlets?

[sboyajian]

The general rule of thumb is max of 10 loads per circuit (for a 15Amp Circuit), however I believe code says you can go up to 12 or 13 before you hit the max wattage pull). For the exercise room, I am at 11 with the lights and outlets.

However, to be fair, the only reason the outlets are in the exercise room is for code and resale. Only one of the outlets will ever be used (the elevated one for the TV). So at a most that will ever be on will be 4 lights, and potentially 3 outlets (the two in the lounge, however, given the placement, it's unlikely those outlets will get used either).

Then for the lounge, I'll be at 9.

There will be a 20Amp circuit that will be used for ventilation and humidification of the cabinet.

Really wasn't a HUGE amount of thought into why I laid it out that way, it was just the easiest way and fell within the limits that should be in place.

If that extra outlet on the left side ends up being a problem, I will probably move it to another circuit that is feeding power to the storage area (which only has 1 light and 2 outlets on it).

[skibumdc]

No treadmills or Elliptical machines?
Those might need higher amperage outlets.

[GoldnGT]

Wow... looking good. Subscribing to this thread =)

[sboyajian]

No treadmills or Elliptical machines?
Those might need higher amperage outlets.

No treadmill and our Elliptical doesn't use an outlet.

[Darrell]

Hey this is a pretty cool project.

I wanted to ask you what made you come up with the idea to circuit the rooms that way?

Do you only have two circuits to work with?

In your area you can use 14 AWG for outlets?

Mike is an Electrician, he knows stuff. :D

[BORIStheBLADE]

Ya, most outlets don't get used. I'm so used to wiring commercial and industrial that two seems kind of small amount.

It will probably be fine. The Tv's will be using the most power until you use a vacuum.

[sboyajian]

Ya, most outlets don't get used. I'm so used to wiring commercial and industrial that two seems kind of small amount.

It will probably be fine. The Tv's will be using the most power until you use a vacuum.

Then I guess I'm lucky since I hate to vacuum! just kidding. I use a central plug in the basement since the cord on the dyson is like 10000 ft long. I can vacuum the whole floor without moving the cord once. That's on a seperate circuit.

[kenstogie]

Subscribed and nice work. Got a finished basement and looking for ideas. :)

[sboyajian]

Haven't had to many updates the last couple days. Some nights I haven't been able to get down to work on it because of real life work.

The first picture below shows 2 (well.. now 1) vents that fed air into the unfinished area. These are being located to the wall next to the HVAC equipment and outside of the Lounge. Both are now removed from the walls.

http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/Lounge/Lounge-8-22-1.jpg

The biggest change that had to take place was additional 2x2 framing on the front wall (see picture one for a completed 2x2s -- more description and explanation below). This is the wall that was pre-existing from the builder. While I have little complaint about the builder who built the home (then again the house is only 3 months old), they didn't do the quality job any of us would want in our home.

Everything on the top two levels is "modular".. modular in the sense that the rafters, floor joists, wall panels, etc all arrive pre-assembled and then put together like a big puzzle. The basement (since it's an option and not in all homes) is stick built per order.

The finished side of the back wall is not exactly plum... nor are any of the boards really level. That being said, both items combined introduced a big problem as you will see in the picture below:

http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/Lounge/Lounge-8-22-2.jpg
http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/Lounge/Lounge-8-22-3.jpg

If you look VERY VERY closely (at picture 1) you will notice that the metal beam in the second picture comes out beyond the 2x4 studs. Due to the fact that most of the boards they used are very twisted (again, see bad boards and bowing in second picture), it also meant the drywall was right up against the front side. I wouldn't be able to put drywall on this side, nor could I run wire.

The solution was to frame the front wall with 2x2 boards (I cheated and cut down my extra 2x4s down on the table saw since I didn't feel like going to the store). I was able to also straighten up the walls since I built mine square.

http://www.1337designs.com/images/cigars/Lounge/Lounge-8-22-4.jpg

I am expecting my HVAC guy on Tuesday. At this point the new circuit in the exercise room is run, all outlets and can lights are operational.

I have also run all of the wire in the Lounge. The outlets are all hooked up. Since the wire is 12/2 and a bit thicker I need to pick up some larger wire nuts so I can hook up the switches safely. Will pick those up tomorrow. Once the switches are connected I will install the 20A breaker. All of the wire is run for the Wall Sconces, however I capped off the lead wires in the first sconce so I can turn on the breaker once installed and use the outlets while working.

Until next time.

[kelmac07]

Lookin' good... :tu

[dogface_313]

This looks awesome. Need new pictures!

[McSmokey]

Awesome Project can't wait for more Pics Subscribing Now

[dunng]

Any update? :ss

[N2Advnture]

Any update?

[sboyajian]

Wow.. been a long time since I updated. Didn't actually work on the room at all from the time I last updated until the first week of January. Between the birth of my second son and work being crazy just couldn't find time.

Since the first week in January I ran all the HVAC, the exhaust fan, boxed in the ducting, drywalled/mudded/sanded, etc. This past Friday I painted the room and Saturday afternoon we got the floor in (floor only took us about 2 hours..)

It's finally almost done! All I have left is baseboard, the door (might do the door today)
and then my built in cabinet under the soffit (where the angle is from the duct run).

This is the view from the doorway. Currently I have only the two chairs, however I am working on getting either a leather loveseat or two more chairs. You can see a little of where the vent is for the exhaust fan on the top of the pic.
http://www.1337designs.com/images/lounge01.jpg

This picture is for Cigary.. since I know he loves Hannah Montana. Picked up this Panasonic Plasma from Best Buy.. right as the Blizzard of 2010 was starting, it was an open box display for like $599 and I offered $500. The manager took the deal since she knew she'd have no customers all weekend.
http://www.1337designs.com/images/lounge02.jpg

My Stinky. Thanks Bill!
http://www.1337designs.com/images/lounge03.jpg

The TV again with REAL programming. The cable is temporary. I didn't get my cable box yet. The actual cables are running through the wall, but I needed to run some coaxial up to the TV for the big game.
http://www.1337designs.com/images/lounge04.jpg

[sboyajian]

View from where the built in shelving will be. The recess in the back (on the right side -- see picture 1) will eventually be a full wall cabinet humidor. Decided to bring in the 1905 La Corona Cuban cabinet to fill some space.
http://www.1337designs.com/images/lounge05.jpg

Just some stuff on the coffee table. The room has like 6 ashtrays now. :)
http://www.1337designs.com/images/lounge06.jpg

[E.J.]

Looking good Stephen.....

[MedicCook]

Looks great. :tu

[Addiction]

You are a lucky, lucky man.

[Volt]

Looks great - congrats on the man room. Gentleman Jack fan? Good stuff!

[sboyajian]

Looks great - congrats on the man room. Gentleman Jack fan? Good stuff!

My buddy left that here.. I told him he'd never see it again.

[tuxpuff]

Very nice work Stephen!

[marge796]

Outstanding!


:tu


Chris.....

[pennjones]

WOW! I dream to have something this nice one day! I guess I need to buy a house first. Hmmm...

[replicant_argent]

The finished pics are nice, but I can't see any progress photos.
In any case, it is a good thing to have a man cave, sir, and welcome to the BOTMC.




Brotherhood
of
The
Man
Cave.

[G G]

Very nice.:tu

[WyGuy]

Looks great!

[Kommatose]

That beats the heck out of KNIP23 garage! But that is what we have and we love it none the less. Congrats looks great.

[dunng]

Very nice! :tu

[cort]

Looks sweet bro:tu

[kelmac07]

Looking good!! :tu

[sboyajian]

The finished pics are nice, but I can't see any progress photos.
In any case, it is a good thing to have a man cave, sir, and welcome to the BOTMC.




Brotherhood
of
The
Man
Cave.

I'll fix that tomorrow.. I moved my domain and started using it as a test server for CigarFriendly... still have all the photos tho. :)